The Shelby Mustang GT500 has built a reputation for being one of the most iconic and brutal performance cars on the road since it first appeared in 1967. It comes with the largest and most powerful engine of the entire Shelby Mustang stable, and thus would be difficult to beat unless you turned up with some kind of aftermarket-modified beast. The legend got even more commanding in 2013 though, when the factory-built model could eclipse the 200 mph mark for the first time.
If you’re wanting a piece of that action, then you’ll be happy to learn that it won’t cost you quite as much as you’d expect. Thanks to depreciation, the mighty 2013 Shelby Mustang GT500 can be had for less than the cost of a brand-new Mustang GT.
This piece explores the used prices of the first factory Mustang that could hit 200 mph, the 2013 Shelby Mustang GT500. All data used was sourced from reputable providers.
The 2013 GT500 Was The Culmination Of Swift Development
Despite the GT500’s reputation, it wasn’t offered for decades beyond the maiden entry. The first-generation version, which was built between 1967 and 1970 and came with a huge 7.0-liter Ford V8, made its name as Eleanor in the Gone in 60 Seconds action movie, as well as for its blazing performance. The death of the classic muscle car at the turn of the 1970s killed the model though, and it remained dormant until Ford and Shelby decided to bring it back in the early 21st century.
The Modern GT500 Gained Power As Fast As It Got Through Fuel
After more than three decades on the sidelines, the GT500 moniker returned in 2007 as a range-topping trim for the fifth-generation Mustang. It got a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that brought 500 hp to the party, which was already crazy for a Mustang. The Ford/Shelby partnership didn’t hang around though, and continued to push more grunt into its halo model. Peak power was upped to 540 hp as part of a 2010 facelift, while a further revised version of the 5.4-liter V8 saw power rise to 550 hp in 2011.
Still not satisfied, Ford and Shelby decided to grace the 2013 GT500 with a completely new engine. The supercharged 5.8-liter beast sent a mighty 662 hp to the Mustang’s complaining rear tires, grunt that was enough to allow the model to achieve a top speed of 200 mph. This ensured it became the first factory Mustang that could hit 200 mph, ensuring its place in history.
Discussion
Where did Ford get the “Cobra” in the Mustang Cobra?
It all started when Ford and Carol Shelby partnered up in the 60s to create some of the coolest muscle cars of all time, and the Cobra name stuck. Ford loved its connection to previous Shelby cars and believed there was serious potential in turning this into a performance line of its own. Of course, this confused enthusiasts over the years, and may have even led to the falling out between the company and Shelby himself, but you can’t deny Mustang Cobras are some of the coolest pony cars of all time.
The Rapid 2013 GT500 Is More Affordable Than You Might Think
Despite this insane turn of speed, the 2013 Mustang GT500 was cheaper than you might think. With an MSRP of $54,200, it was cheaper than many European sports cars that could only dream of achieving the performance of the Mustang. While lower-mileage examples of the GT500 have held their value well, ones with more miles on the clock can be had for less than what a significantly less powerful 2025 Mustang GT will set you back. It’s not even just about the power either, as you don’t get a biblical supercharger whine with a GT.
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2013 Ford Mustang GT500 Coupe Specifications |
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|---|---|
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Engine |
5.8L supercharged V8 |
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Power |
662 hp |
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Torque |
631 lb-ft |
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0-60 mph |
3.6 seconds |
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Top Speed |
202 mph |
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Used Values |
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According to Kelley Blue Book, higher-mileage 2013 GT500 coupes in good condition can be found for a smidge under $30,000, while convertible versions should cost a few grand less again. Most owners have preserved their examples well though, so finding a high-mileage GT500 is fairly difficult.
This is largely backed up by Hagerty’s Valuation Tool, which reports that good-condition GT500s should set you back just under $40,000. More tired versions will cost closer to $30,000, while most concours-level cars will demand around $80,000 from your wallet.
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Auction Listings Prove Good Mustang GT500 Deals Are Possible
As far as getting a GT500 for less than a new GT, you’ll need to look for examples that have covered at least 45,000–50,000 miles. A black car that had covered just over 50,000 miles was sold by Mecum Auctions in mid-2024 for $45,000 and, aside from the higher-than-average mileage, had been extremely well looked after. Go for a lower-mileage car though, and you’ll be faced with a bill significantly higher than the car would have cost you when it was new.
Take this red GT500 that had covered just 17 miles in its life when it was sold in late 2023. Offered by Hagerty Auctions, the stunning low-mileage car managed to fetch over $115,000 – around double its original MSRP. Collectors will be interested in these less abused models, but do your homework, and you’ll be able to eventually track one down for well less than these six-figure pieces.
The Performance The GT500 Offers Is Too Tempting Not To Try
For less than $50,000, the performance the 2013 GT500 offers is simply sublime. The 5.8-liter Trinity modular V8 is a weapon, with the near 700-hp output allowing it to breach the 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The powerplant was also connected to a traditional six-speed manual gearbox, ensuring it was engaging to drive, too. Ford and Shelby didn’t stop at simply offering the GT500 with boatloads of power either, as the partners also looked to enhance the Mustang’s foundations.
For starters, a limited-slip differential was on hand to help put the V8’s considerable might onto the road without leaving most of the tire behind, while a high-performance Brembo braking setup was employed to ensure its pilot could enjoy the GT500’s power for as long as possible. Independent suspension was also utilized all round, though the vehicle’s handling was impaired to some extent by the use of an old-fashioned beam axle at the rear, which prevented each wheel from moving independently over uneven surfaces.
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How high will it go?
Who cares though, when your screaming V8 can transport you to 200 mph with all the drama that a standard Mustang GT could only dream of.
The Shelby GT500 Is Considerably Cheaper Than One Of Ford’s Other 200 MPH Weapons
The 2013 GT500 is easily the cheapest way of getting a Ford that can hit 200 mph, with many of its other offerings capable of the feat demanding a significantly larger outlay in 2025. Take the 2005 Ford GT, for example, which was a reimagining of the legendary GT40 racer of the 1960s, which netted Ford four consecutive victories at the fabled 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was powered by an upgraded version of the 5.4-liter V8 used in the 2007 Shelby GT500, which generates 550 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.
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2005–2006 Ford GT Specifications |
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|---|---|
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Engine |
5.4L supercharged V8 |
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Power |
550 hp |
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Torque |
500 lb-ft |
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0–60 mph |
3.5 seconds |
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Top Speed |
205 mph |
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Used Values |
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Combined with its low and aerodynamic body, the GT could sprint to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and hit 205 mph. Around 4,000 examples were produced, and they have grown in value massively over the years.
Expect To Shell Out Over Half A Million Dollars For A Mint One
According to Hagerty, even a run-of-the-mill good-condition 2005 GT will cost you around $350,000, with mint examples fetching around $525,000. These values are backed up by Classic.com, which reports that the average auction sale price for first-gen GTs currently sits at $440,000. The very cheapest car went for over $200,000, while the most expensive car went for a cool $1 million.
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Shelby once angered the founder of De Tomaso Automobili who then went and developed a car just to dethrone Shelby’s Cobra.
For most performance-hungry gearheads, the Mustang will prove more practical every day anyway due to having two usable rear seats and a decent-sized trunk, so don’t sweat missing out on the GT too much. If a miracle happens and GT values ever tumble, that decision can always be revisited.
Sources: Ford
